welcome to my journal

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5 Must-Have Items Pittsburgh Parents Love (And Why You’ll Want Them On Your Baby Registry

If you’re a new or expecting parent in Pittsburgh, PA, first—congratulations! There’s nothing quite like welcoming a new life into the world. As the a professional photographer in Pittsburgh for newborn and family photography, I’ve worked with hundreds of local families. Along the way, I’ve picked up some priceless tips, including which products make life easier during those precious (and often exhausting) first months.

Here’s a list of must-have baby items that Pittsburgh parents consistently rave about—and how some of them can even help during your newborn photo session.

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1. Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine

This little gadget is a game-changer, both for soothing babies at home and during photo shoots in my Pittsburgh studio. It combines a sound machine, night light, and time-to-rise alert in one sleek device.

The ” Wow” for me was that you can easily share a link with your loved ones who can record a special message for your little one. I really wish I would have had this for my kids because I know my family would’ve recorded messages for them to cherish for years to come. Just the sweetest idea!

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2. Sanitizing Bottle Washer

New parents don’t always anticipate just how many bottles they’ll go through in a day. This compact device not only cleans but also sanitizes bottles, pacifiers, and pump parts with minimal effort. It’s kinda like a dishwasher on your counter just for your newborn bottles.

While this item doesn’t show up in photos, it does give you more free time—and less stress—which means you’re more likely to show up to your newborn shoot rested and ready.

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3. The Labor Comb (Yes, It Works!)

It may sound strange, but this affordable little tool is a favorite among local moms. The labor comb works by engaging pressure points in the hand during contractions, offering natural pain relief through something called the gate control theory.

While it’s mainly used during labor, some of my clients say they keep it afterward for stress relief—and anything that helps during recovery gets a big thumbs-up from me. Don’t be surprised if it makes an appearance in your diaper bag during our session!

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4. The Hatch (Again!) for Toddler Years

Many Pittsburgh parents love the Hatch so much, they keep using it well beyond the newborn stage. With customizable colors and timers, it becomes an excellent tool for sleep training toddlers—and trust me, well-rested toddlers make for much easier family photo sessions later on.

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5. Wipe Warmers and Pacifier Clips

While not always on the registry, these little extras are mentioned often by parents in my studio. A warm wipe keeps baby comfortable during quick clean-ups, and pacifier clips keep the paci close (and off the studio floor).

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Bringing It All Together in Your Photo Session

As a top-rated photographer in Pittsburgh, PA, my mission is to make your newborn photography experience stress-free, safe, and deeply meaningful. Having these tools on hand at home—and a few of them in your diaper bag—can help make your session smoother and your baby happier.

Interested in capturing those early days with timeless, heartfelt portraits? Let’s talk. I offer maternity, newborn, and milestone photography sessions designed around your family’s comfort and style. Pittsburgh families choose me for more than just beautiful images—they trust me to deliver an experience they’ll treasure forever.

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Book Your Newborn Session Today
Spots fill quickly! Reserve your due date on my calendar to secure your session with the best newborn photographer in Pittsburgh, PA.

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www.melissahelmanphotography.com